Published 7:00 pm, Friday, June 27, 2008

Police have been contacted by the driver of a burnt orange Jeep Wrangler who they believe may provide valuable information about a car accident that killed a 53-year-old Midland woman Monday.

The driver of the Jeep will assist officers in their investigation of the Monday afternoon accident where other witnesses say 17-year-old Kaily Rosales hit a black Lexus head on near the Wadley Avenue exit of Loop 250, killing the car's driver, 53-year-old Patricia Hochman.

Rosales, who told police she smoked marijuana and took prescription drugs before driving Monday, is being charged with intoxication manslaughter and was being held on a ,50,000 bond Friday, according to the Midland County Sheriff's Office.

Rosales is being held in custody at Midland Memorial Hospital, where an officer is standing outside of her door, Midland Police Department spokeswoman Tina Jauz said Friday.

Witnesses said Rosales lost control of her red Ford Explorer and hit a dip in the median Monday afternoon before becoming airborne and hitting the black Lexus head on. Hochman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Rosales and her 16-year-old passenger were taken to Midland Memorial Hospital Monday. The 16-year-old was treated for non-life threatening injuries and released and Rosales was reported in stable condition Friday.

Blood tests are being examined to determine her level of intoxication and results should be available in about two weeks, police said.

Intoxication manslaughter is a second-degree felony and upon conviction carries a prison term of two to 20 years and a fine not to exceed ,10,000, according to Texas Penal Code.